Activities

2014.02.16-18 Ambassador officially visited Akita

25/02/2014

During 16-18 February 2014, Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and Mme. Monthip Upatising, let representatives from Thai economy-related offices to officially visited Akita for the first time. The visit was aimed at strengthening the bond between Thailand and Akita, while at the same time, providing information on trade and investment in a seminar on trade-investment in Thailand, held by Akita Prefecture and Hokuto Bank, the local bank.

In the discussion with Mr. Norihisa Satake, Akita Governor, on 17 February 2014, the Governor emphasized Thailand as a region’s central of investment, where at least 21 Akita firms are investing. Both parties shared the same opinion regarding Akita Prefectural Government and the Royal Thai Embassy working hand in hand in all aspects, especially in trade and investment. Ambassador also encouraged Akita Prefectural Government to fully utilize the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Industry, Kingdom of Thailand, and Akita Prefectural Government, Japan, as well as the memorandum between the Board of Investment of Thailand and Hokuto Bank, which were co-signed when the governor visited Thailand in October 2013.

Over 100 Akita businesspersons attended Thailand Investment and Trade Seminar on 17 February 2014. Ambassador gave an opening speech and shared information on last year’s soaring trade expansion between Thailand and Akita despite decreasing trade value between Thailand and Japan in general. He also stressed Thailand investment opportunity for Akita investors as Thailand, geographically advantaged as the centre of the region, can be a great regional base for business expansion.

Consequently, Ambassador visited tourist spots, Kakunodate City and Yokote City, where he also met with the mayors. At the same time, he visited Akita Industrial Technology Center and Akita International University, which binds exchange agreements with Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University and Mahidol University.